RGA criticizes Greek gambling law again

The renowned Remote Gambling Association (RGA) filed a new complaint to the European Commission regarding Greece's new gambling tax policies. The RGA argues that active and licensed gambling operators should not be made to pay taxes retrospectively on revenues from Greece from January 1 2010 until the time respective licenses were awarded.

The RGA's complaint, which is co-signed by big-name operators such as Betfiar, William Hill, and bet365, aims to nullify the Ministerial Decision to Introduce retrospective gross gambling revenue tax and a tax on customer's winnings. The RGA characterizes the bill as unconstitutional and disproportionate.

Greece's new tax policy also requires operators to pay a 10 percent withholding tax on winnings through December 16 2011.

RGA CEO Clive Hawkswood commented on the issue:

"The RGA believes that the opening of the Greek on-line gambling market is a welcome step. However, the taxation regime proposed will create a huge and uncompetitive financial burden for potential licensees. There is no doubt that implementation of current proposals will see the newly regulated market fail to the detriment of the Greek government and Greek consumers. There is still time to amend the Ministerial Decision and for the tax rates to be reviewed and I hope the Ministry of Finance will be willing to discuss viable alternatives with us."

Last November, the RGA along with the European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) already filed complaints against Greek gambling laws citing unfair tax policies and issues on State-aid.